Chilli choices

[Holly]

Hello all,

We're compiling the ultimate list of chillies at GYO and we need your vote!

There is a link to the poll on the right-hand side of the thread board, so if you know which variety you'd like to see crowned king (or indeed queen) of the chillies in the next issue of the magazine, then simply give it a click.

We'd also love to know what you think makes the perfect chilli, so feel free to explain your vote here and spread the word.

Your comments may be published in the September issue of Grow Your Own.

Cheers... and happy choosing,

Holly

[shirlthegirl43]

I don't eat chillies but I love growing Bolivian Rainbow because it is such a pretty plant. Sadly it isn't in the list so I can't vote for it.

For those who cannot see the vote box thingy, here's a link... Grow Your Own Potato Variety Reader Poll

Yes, I know it says potato but it does take you to the chilli choices

[teakdesk]

We'd also love to know what you think makes the perfect chilli, ...

Each chilli I grow has a different use from raw in salads (probably Heatwave picked young is my fave for that) to mild chilli flavour from Pinnochio's Nose in stews/casseroles through to fully-matured Thai Dragon for fiery dishes.

I don't think I can pick one favourite because their uses are so varied and need to be taken into account.

[Incy]

I agree with Teakdesk. There are loads of different uses for chillies and the varieties are better suited to different purposes depending on heat amongst other things.
I have to admit though that I love the sheer variety and different looking plants available and currently have 54 assorted chilli and pepper plants growing.

[HotStuff]

I grow various different varieties of Chilli for different reasons, but for me the best general purpose Chilli for culinary use has to be the Apache. I have two Apaches, Geronimo & Cochise, they are about 3 years old and have each produced over 100 Chillis per year.

Most striking is probably Peruvian Purple or Black Pearl, because they just don't look like your average Chilli plant.

Most colourful is probably Numex Twilight, great when it's got lots of fruit on it, like a living rainbow.

Then of course you've got the extra hot Naga Morich and it's relatives, great for testing peoples resolve and making Chilli vodka

[Llamas]

Tried to find black pearl, as they're my most favorite looking chillie, but had to go with Bhut Jolokia as thats the one I'm currently the most excited about growing this year.

[Snadger]

I'm growing seven types including the Jalapeno. Jallies are to my taste and four of my other peppers just appear to be Jalapeno derivatives!

I'm afraid I've had to vote for the boring old Jalapeno!

[rogesse]

As above - I grow chilli for a whole host of reasons; flavouring, attractiveness and getting the 'macho' bloke who turns up at every party claiming to be immune to chilli then spends the next 15 minutes in need of and ambulance after wolfing one of your prized specimens

[zazen999]

I can't vote as my all time fave is the lovely hot Gelbe Kirschen Yellow Cherry; just beautiful to grow, nice and hot and makes interestingly colourful chilli jam.

[northepaul]

I don't eat chillies but I love growing Bolivian Rainbow because it is such a pretty plant. Sadly it isn't in the list so I can't vote for it.

For those who cannot see the vote box thingy, here's a link... Grow Your Own Potato Variety Reader Poll

Yes, I know it says potato but it does take you to the chilli choices

Another vote (would be anyway if it was listed) for Bolivian Rainbow - lovely plant with purple flowers!

[GrayB]

This is my first year growing chillies but more than any of the varieties i have growing I'm hoping that I get some pods from my Puruvian White Habanero's, not just for the taste Habs have but I think there is something very attractive about a white Chilli Habanero has my vote.
Gray.

[Jeanied]

Sorry, my choice is not on your list - it has to be Purple Gusto. It is a small plant - at least, the way I grow it, it is! Mine was dug up unceremoniously last autumn before it started to get really cold and was bunged into a pot on the bathroom windowsill. Then it proceeded to flower and fruit from early spring onwards - the peppers are medium hot and purple!! Ideal houseplant!
Once the fruits are mature, they turn red - and then the fruits are super prolific for saving and sowing your own seed. So I hand out a chilli to anyone who wants one and off we go! The seeds germinate really easily from a fresh chilli. What else could you ask for?

[sewer rat]

I have grown Apache in hanging baskets and in 5 litre pots and it's great -loads of amall medium chillies but for my sauces I grow Cayenne and Jalapeno in the soil in my tunnel- both large plants which crop heavily and over a long long period - I have 132 in my tunnel this year - all for sauces.

[Mac]

I went for the Prairie Fire. Lovely little plant which looks great on the dining table all year round, and the chilli's go from the lemony yellow colour right through to the bright "yup I'm hot" red. One or two of these firey little blighters is all you need for a nice warming curry. My overwintered plant has already produced over 50 chillis this year and is still going strong.

[Holly]

Hello!

Don't worry if your favourite chilli isn't on the list – I'm going to collect the names of those mentioned above and add them to the poll at some point this week. If there are any others, please mention them and I'll put those up too.

It's such a popular crop, I'm sure there are hundreds we've missed!

Thanks for all the great comments so far,

Holly